Fashion review; where fabric meets soul, and every woman shines

By Rita Okoye

These are the same feelings you get when you wear Lukabi’s clothing collections.

Launched in 2019 by the talented Nigerian fashion designer Lukman Abioye Ayorinde, Lukabi has made it its priority to address the pressing need for fashionable apparel that accentuates women’s beauty.

Lukman understands that fashion is more than just what we wear; it’s a form of self-expression and how we best feel ourselves. Little wonder it was not a surprise that two years after completing his professional training at JemiRiana African Fashion in 2017, Lukman opened his own fashion house – Lukabi, a ready-to-wear brand whose fabric creates a deep connection with the inner self.

Similarly, recognising the vast fashion market beyond Africa, Lukabi aims to create garments for women who love fashion and enjoy expressing themselves through their style. In fact, with a commitment to elegance, class, and chic designs, Lukabi caters to the everyday woman, ensuring that every piece empowers her to look as stunning and radiant as the sun.

Lukabi’s pieces are designed to flatter women of all body types and instil confidence in their wearers. Each garment from Lukabi combines sophistication with functionality, featuring bright colours and clean lines that enhance any figure and size.

 That is, Lukabi is not some factory churn-out pieces. However, it is a labour of love whose clothes collections are not just sewn but lived in, dreamed up, and poured over by real people with artistic fingers and big hearts to meet every soul and to make every woman shine.

It is important to note that Lukabi is a well-known brand in contemporary women’s clothing because of its steady expansion, which highlights its influence on the fashion scene. Its specialisation in producing fashionable designs that are flexible enough to be worn to casual or formal events attests to this fact.

Over the years, Lukabi has produced excellent fashion pieces, and its 2021 collection is a stunning testament to its enduring creativity and style. The 2021 collection, for instance, is a conglomeration of ready-to-wear, high-quality design garments. Without further ado, let us dive in.

This portrait view of the sapphire blue gown is one of the many beautiful works of art from the Lukabi 2021 collection.

Though a combination of two shades of blue makes this outfit rich, this piece cannot be seen as an everyday fashion wear; it is definitely for important occasions where you want to stand out and outshine everyone.

Starting from the shoulder, the design of this dress features a deep V-neckline that adds a touch of allure, subtle enough to be classy and bold enough to whisper, “Look at me!” The long sleeves, with their gentle puff at the shoulders, throw in a vintage vibe that dances beautifully with the dress’s contemporary lines. Then there is the blue sash fastening the waist into a cute little bow on the side.

It cinches so tight that it was practically screaming, ‘I can give you an hourglass figure. ’ However, this look could have been more flattering if the lower part was skin-tight cut like a bodycon skirt or if it were made into a pair of trousers. This way, it would look chic and classy, accentuating the figure of the wearer.

But now that we have a pleated skirt instead, we didn’t get a lesser experience because these pleats ate! As is corrugated by a machine, these pleats are neatly folded, almost as if they are crafted with care. The mesmerising effect it creates with every step is something we look forward to. Overall, this look radiates confidence and creativity and inadvertently commands attention, making it a showstopper.

We had minimal comments when analysing the front view, but let’s see if the rear view is as flawless as the front view.

From behind, this blue beauty hugs the back like a second skin, showing off those puffed shoulders that flare out just enough to say, ‘Yeah, I’m here to make a statement; what about it?’ The puffiness gives the whole back a playful, almost cheeky silhouette. The fabric stretches smooth and taut across the upper back, while the little collar stands tall, acting all proper like it is not part of this sassy ensemble.

Running down the spine, the dress seems to take a rougher route. What looked like a smooth ride at the top appears a little bumpy as it approaches the skirt. The truth is, we understand how almost difficult it can be to achieve a flawless front and back pleat, especially with a fabric like a sunray. Nonetheless, a round and full flare, and perhaps a side zip, would have reduced this seemingly edgy look. But beyond this, this outfit is a soulmate for meetings, religious gatherings, and corporate parties.

Few colours can match red’s blistering composure when it comes to making a striking fashion statement. This stunning two-piece ensemble is another beautiful fashion piece from the Lukabi 2021 Collection. With its bold cherry-red hue, this tailored top and pencil skirt combo is here to steal the spotlight, and honestly, who are we to argue?

The first thing that catches the eye is the rich, cherry-red colour of the outfit. Red doesn’t just want attention; it wants power unapologetically! It is apparent that Lukabi understood the impact of this hue and chose to let it shine by keeping the overall design clean and structured. One would wonder if Lukabi woke up and thought, “Let’s make every head turn today, shall we?” Well, mission accomplished.

The top is where this outfit stands out. It features a cape which runs over the shoulders, giving off the “soft-girl superhero” vibes. The front of the top is adorned with a row of buttons. Large and colour-matched, these buttons guarantee a smooth mix while subtly paying homage to traditional tailoring and functional closure.

Perfectly balanced, the top is completed by a fitted pencil skirt whose elegant placement just above the knee lengthens and draws attention to the waist

In terms of texture, the fabric is a smooth, high-quality combination that flows wonderfully while remaining structural. It should be noted that one of the things designers most often overlook is the fabric choice.

A material has to fit into the theme of the dress. The versatility of this ensemble is what struck us as impressive. For instance, while it looks impeccable with the matching top, it could easily be accompanied by a crisp white blouse or even a fitted turtleneck for a completely different vibe.

The back view of this red outfit decides to keep the party going because, apparently, one angle of gorgeousness just wasn’t enough. This outfit is a full 360-degree masterpiece, proving that style isn’t just about what’s in front of you.

Where the magic happens is the top’s rear design that makes you pause and appreciate the thought put into every stitch. For instance, the cape-like design, which runs from the front, flows seamlessly around to the back, drawing the eye to the central zipper that runs down the spine.

Although we are not so cool with the pope-collar back view, the straight-line silver seems to take care of that by adding some modern edge to the otherwise classic silhouette.

Again, the back slit contributes its quota to the overall chic look. The slit isn’t just there for a show – it offers flexibility and comfort.

 While it appears that the designer of this outfit was busy with the general outlook of this stunning piece, this dress would have earned a perfect 10/10 if accompanied and spiced with one or two glittering accessories, either as a brooch or some well-placed embellishments on the dress. However, it would be unfair to the brand if we fail to mention the fine craftsmanship of the designer.

The meticulous attention to the 2021 collection is nothing short of impressive. Every inch of this collection screams precision, from the way the fabric was cut to the smallest details that tie the whole look together. Indeed, you can tell that someone poured their heart into making sure these outfits weren’t just another regular pretty design.

All in all, reflecting on the fashion trends of 2021, it is evident that the Lukabi 2021 collection, to a very large extent, resonates with the popularity of bold colours and sustainable, well-crafted designs. For every woman who wants to shine and feel comfortable in a fabric, you need to get your hands on the 2021 collection!